Applicator for cosmetic product

ABSTRACT

An applicator ( 10 ) for a cosmetic product is provided, which comprises:
         a first array of applicator elements fastened to a first elongated core ( 14 ) including a distal end ( 16 ) and a proximal end ( 18 ), the first array of applicator elements including free ends ( 20 ) defining a first applicator profile;   a second array of applicator elements fastened to a second elongated core ( 24 ) including a distal end ( 26 ) and a proximal end ( 28 ), the second array of applicator elements including free ends ( 30 ) defining a second applicator profile; said first and second elongated cores ( 14, 24 ) being essentially rectilinear and arranged essentially side by side, and   a connector ( 31 ) adapted to be fastened to the distal ends ( 16, 26 ) of the first and second elongated cores ( 14, 24 ) so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of French Patent Application No. 0902758, filed Jun. 8, 2009, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part hereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a cosmetic applicator for a cosmetic product, such as a mascara.

BACKGROUND

Applicators for cosmetic products generally comprise a core ending with an array of fibers defining a brush allowing the application of the cosmetic product. This array of fibers has a particular performance in the application of cosmetic products, related to the nature and arrangement of the fibers.

The general idea consists of providing more than one array of fibers, with the aim of varying and improving the performance of the application of the product, is not new. For example, the applicator described in document US2008163885 entitled “Dual Hemisphere Cosmetic Brush” is produced by forming two brushes at the ends of a rod with continuously twisted fibers, each brush having fibers with different characteristics. Each brush is trimmed to the core of twisted wires in order to eliminate 180° of the brush, such that by bending the core of twisted wires in the middle, the two trimmed brushes can be brought one together in order to form a 360° brush made up of the two 180° brushes. The result is a cosmetic applicator brush with two different fiber characteristics on each half of the applicator brush.

The arrangement described in document US2008163885 does, however, have a certain number of flaws. For example, the costs of manufacturing such a product are too high for the manufacture of that product to be implemented and practiced. Moreover, the physical limitations related to the length of the core of twisted wires currently available poses another problem. For example, this product requires a core of twisted wires with a length between 60 and 70 mm in order to be able to provide a brush with a length of 25 mm, as well as sufficient space between the two brushes in order to allow the resulting bent rod to be inserted in a support. Such lengths of twisted wire rods do not exist, the maximum length currently available being about 45 mm, which would subsequently lead to a brush with a length of 15 mm, which is too short. Thus, to be able to manufacture this brush, it would be necessary to design and build a new machine, which is cost prohibitive.

Another limitation of the applicator for cosmetic product described in document US2008163885 lies in the fact that, as a single core length of twisted wires is bent to bring the end brushes together, the resulting brush is limited to two different types of brush fibers, each deploying over 180° around the core of twisted wires.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is therefore to provide an applicator for mascara making it possible to resolve the drawbacks of the applicator described in document US2008163885. In particular, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an applicator for cosmetic product, simply and profitably, which includes 2, 3 or more different brush fibers around its core, with the idea of varying and improving the application performance of the cosmetic product.

A first aspect of the present invention consists of providing an applicator for cosmetic product comprising:

-   a first array of applicator elements fastened to an essentially     rectilinear first elongated core including a distal end and a     proximal end, the first array of applicator elements including free     ends defining a first applicator profile; -   a second array of applicator elements fastened to an essentially     rectilinear second elongated core including a distal end and a     proximal end, the second array of applicator elements including free     ends defining a second applicator profile; said first and second     elongated cores (14, 24) being arranged essentially side by side,     and -   a connector adapted to be fastened to the distal ends of the first     and second elongated cores so as to bring the distal ends of the     cores together.

In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the first and second elongated cores can be connected to the rod of a sleeve.

In one embodiment, the first and the second arrays of applicator elements deploy over 180° around the first and second elongated cores, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first and second cores.

In one embodiment, the first and second applicator profiles vary along the respective lengths of the first and second elongated cores.

In one embodiment, the first and second applicator profiles vary radially around lengths of the first and second elongated cores, respectively.

In one embodiment, the applicator comprises at least one additional array of applicator elements fastened to at least one additional elongated core, each core having a distal end and a proximal end, each provided with an additional array of applicator elements including free ends defining additional applicator profiles.

In one embodiment, the first, second and additional arrays of applicator elements deploy around elongated cores referred to as first, second and additional, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first, second and additional cores.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises an applicator end allowing a precise application of the cosmetic product.

In one embodiment, the applicator elements comprise fibers and application teeth.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an applicator for cosmetic product is provided, the method comprising:

-   providing a first array of applicator elements fastened to an     essentially rectilinear first elongated core including a distal end     and a proximal end, the first array of applicator elements including     free ends defining a first applicator profile; -   providing a second array of applicator elements fastened to an     essentially rectilinear second elongated core including a distal end     and a proximal end, the second array of applicator elements     including free ends defining a second application profile; -   arranging the cores essentially side by side; and -   fastening a connector to the distal ends of the first and second     elongated cores so as to bring the distal ends of the cores     together.

In one embodiment, the method comprises connecting the proximal ends of the first and second elongated cores to a rod of a sleeve.

In one embodiment, the method comprises trimming the first and second arrays of applicator elements, such that the first and the second arrays of applicator elements deploy over 180° around the first and second elongated cores, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first and second cores.

In one embodiment, the method comprises providing at least one additional array of applicator elements fastened to at least one additional elongated core, each core having a distal end and a proximal end, and each additional array of applicator elements possessing free ends defining applicator profiles, the method comprising the arrangement of all of the cores essentially side by side and the fastening of the connector to the distal ends of the cores, so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.

In one embodiment, the method comprises trimming the first, second and additional arrays, respectively, of the applicator elements, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first, second and additional cores.

A third aspect of the present invention consists of providing an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising at least three elongated cores arranged side by side, each elongated core defining a distal end and a proximal end and being provided with an array of applicator elements defining applicator profiles for the application of the cosmetic product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an applicator for cosmetic product, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2D diagrammatically illustrate the steps involved in the manufacture of an applicator as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a connector able to be used in the applicator shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A to 4F illustrate side views of several applicator profiles varying in terms of the length that can be assumed by the applicator shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate other side views of applicator profiles varying in terms of the length that can be assumed by the applicator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates another side view of an applicator profile varying in terms of the length that can be assumed by the applicator shown in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate cross-sectional views from the end of several applicator profiles varying radially that can be assumed by the applicator shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In reference to FIG. 1, an applicator 10 for cosmetic product comprises a first array of applicator elements 12 fastened to a first elongated core 14, generally of twisted wires. The first elongated core 14 includes a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18, the first array of applicator elements 12 including free ends 20 defining a first applicator profile.

The applicator 10 also comprises a second array of applicator elements 22 fastened to a second elongated core 24 also including a distal end 26 and a proximal end 28. The second array of applicator elements 22 includes free ends 30 defining a second applicator profile.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second elongated cores 14 and 24 are essentially straight elements, arranged side by side. The use of such straight or rectilinear cores enables to obtain an increased length, while the applicators according to the state of the art are made of twisted cores, which leads to a major restriction in the length of the applicator 10.

A connector 31 can be fastened to the distal ends 16, 26 of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24. Thus, when the cores 14, 24 are arranged essentially side by side, as shown in FIG. 1, the distal ends of the cores 14, 24 are brought together. The connector 31 can be fastened to the distal ends 16, 26 by thermo welding or can be clamped or forcibly placed.

In one embodiment, the proximal ends 18, 28 of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24 can be connected to a rod 32 of a sleeve 34.

In one embodiment, the first and second arrays of applicator elements 12, 22 deploy over about 180° around the first and second elongated cores 14, 24, respectively. Thus, when the cores 14, 24 are arranged side by side, as shown in FIG. 1, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first and second cores 14, 24.

Considering FIGS. 2A to 2D now, and according to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing the applicator 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. The method comprises the provision of a first array of applicator elements 12 fastened to a first elongated core 14 including a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18. As mentioned above, the first array of applicator elements 12 includes free ends 20 defining a first applicator profile.

The method also comprises the provision of a second array of applicator elements 22 fastened to a second elongated core 24 including a distal end 26 and a proximal end 28. As mentioned above, the second array of applicator elements 22 includes free ends 30 defining a second applicator profile.

In the same way as for FIG. 1, the first and second elongated cores 14 and 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2D are essentially straight or rectilinear elements, arranged side by side.

In one preferred embodiment, the method comprises trimming the first and second arrays of applicator elements 12, 22, such that the first and second arrays of applicator elements 12, 22 deploy over 180° around the first and second elongated cores 14, 24, respectively. This trimming can be done in a number of known manners, but is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2B by scissors 38. Thus, after the trimming, the cores can be arranged side by side, as shown in FIG. 2C, so as to define an applicator profile of 360° around first and second cores 14, 24.

The method ends with the fastening of the connector 31 to the distal ends 16, 26 of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24 so as to bring the distal ends 16, 26 of the cores 14, 24 together, then to connect the proximal ends 18, 28 to the first and second cores 14, 24 to the rod 32 of a sleeve 34.

In one embodiment, the connector 31 comprises an applicator end 40 in the form of protruding fibers, allowing a precise application of the cosmetic product. Such a connector 31 is for example illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, the connector 31 can be manufactured such that it is an application tool itself, for example by being flocked or including brush fibers. The applicator end 40 can be used, for example, for the corner of a user's eyes, for precise application or combing.

In FIG. 1, the first and second applicator profiles are shown as being pointed from the proximal ends 18, 28, towards the distal ends 16, 26. It is, however, clear that it is possible to provide a number of different applicator profiles varying along the lengths of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24 to meet a specific function. These will now be briefly described in reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F, 5A to 5C and 6.

FIG. 4A illustrates an applicator profile 42 pointed at the distal end on one of the cores, and an applicator profile 44 pointed at the distal and proximal ends on the other core.

FIG. 4B illustrates an applicator profile 46 pointed at the distal end on one of the cores, and a curvilinear applicator profile 48 on the other core.

FIG. 4C illustrates an applicator profile 50 pointed at the distal end on one of the cores, and a rectangular applicator profile 52 on the other core.

FIG. 4D illustrates an applicator profile 54 pointed at the distal and proximal ends on one of the cores, and a curvilinear applicator profile 56 on the other core.

FIG. 4E illustrates a rectangular applicator profile 58 on one of the cores, and a pointed applicator profile 60 at the distal end and in the form of a half-arrow at the proximal end on the other core.

FIG. 4F illustrates a pointed applicator profile 62 at the distal end on one of the cores, and an applicator profile 64 in half-arrow form at the distal end on the other core.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate side views of a mascara brush wherein each of the applicator profiles is adapted to the application of mascara on the eyelashes of either the user's right or left eye. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates an applicator profile 66 widening toward the distal end on one of the cores, and an applicator profile 68 narrowing toward the distal end on the other core. FIG. 5B illustrates a pointed applicator profile 70 at the proximal end on one of the cores, and a pointed applicator profile 72 at the distal end on the other core. Lastly, FIG. 5C illustrates an applicator profile 74 in the form of a half-arrow pointing toward the distal end on one of the cores, and an applicator profile 76 in the form of a half-arrow pointing toward the proximal end on the other core.

FIG. 6 shows still another side view of an applicator profile varying in terms of the length that can be adopted by the applicator shown in FIG. 1, i.e. a pointed applicator profile shown in FIG. 1, i.e. a pointed applicator profile 78 at the distal end on one of the cores, and a serrated applicator profile 80 on the other core. In this embodiment, for example, the applicator elements with the narrowest sections 82 of the profile 80 can differ from the applicator elements with the widest sections 84 of the profile 80.

Moreover, referring now to FIGS. 7A to 7D, the first and second applicator profiles can vary radially around lengths of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24, respectively. These figures will now be briefly described.

FIG. 7A illustrates a semi-circular applicator profile 86 on one of the cores, and a triangular applicator profile 88 on the other core.

FIG. 7B illustrates a semi-circular applicator profile 90 on one of the cores, and a semi-circular applicator profile 92 of smaller diameter on the other core.

FIG. 7C illustrates a semi-circular applicator profile 94 on one of the cores, and a rectangular applicator profile 96 on the other core.

Lastly, FIG. 7D illustrates a semi-circular applicator profile 98 on one of the cores, and an offset semi-circular applicator profile 100 of smaller diameter on the other core.

It is clear that it is possible to provide a combination of applicator profiles varying both lengthwise and radially around the lengths of the first and second elongated cores 14, 24.

In one embodiment, the applicator 10 can include at least one additional array of applicator elements fastened to at least one additional elongated core, in addition to the first and second applicator element arrays 12, 22 previously described. Each additional core will include a distal end and a proximal end, each with an additional array of applicator elements including free ends defining additional applicator profiles.

In this embodiment, the so-called first, second and additional arrays of applicator elements deploy around elongated cores called first, second and additional, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the so-called first, second and additional cores. Consequently, the manufacturing method described above must be slightly modified so as to house the additional array of applicator elements. In particular, the method will include the arrangement of all of the cores essentially side by the side and the fastening of the connector to the distal ends of the cores so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.

Moreover, the method will include trimming the so-called first, second and additional applicator element arrays, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the so-called first, second and additional cores. Thus, for example, in the case of 3 cores, the first, second and third applicator element arrays will for example be trimmed so as to each deploy over 120° around each core, such that when they are grouped together, together they form the required 360° applicator profile. Likewise, in the case of 4 cores, the first, second, third and fourth applicator element arrays will for example be trimmed such that each deploys over 90°. It is considered that 4 cores will be sufficient to provide the required cosmetic product application performance.

For applicators comprising 3 or 4 cores, it is preferable to use a relatively finer stainless steel wire, in order to prevent the final assembled applicator from being too massive.

Thus, the applicator element arrays can be trimmed such that, once brought together by the connector 31, they do not deploy over the entire 360°. Thus, for example, it is possible to trim 3 applicator element arrays over 3 cores, to 90°. This would leave 3 empty zones of 30° between the applicator elements in which the mascara could be trapped, thereby providing a load effect during application of the mascara.

The applicator elements generally consist of fibers, as shown in the figures, but can also assume the form of applicator teeth that are generally injection molded from a plastic material.

Lastly, the applicator 10 can be part of a rotating mascara device, of the type covered by simultaneously pending European application number 08356132.4. This arrangement would make it possible to treat the eyelashes progressively, such that over the course of the rotation of the brush, the various applicator profiles successively come into contact with the eyelashes. Thus, simply by keeping the applicator rotating, the eyelashes are for example loaded, brushed, loaded, etc., depending on the characteristics of each applicator profile present in the applicator. Once the rotation is done, the applicator end 40 can be used to complete the application as necessary, as described above.

The present invention thus provides an applicator for cosmetic product which can be provided with 2, 3 or more different types of brush fibers around its core, with the idea of varying and improving the performance of the application of the cosmetic product. Those cores typically have a rectilinear shape, and can be arranged side by side.

Thus, instead of manufacturing a double brush that is then trimmed then bent into shape, as described in document US2008163885, the present invention involves the manufacture of individual brushes that are then assembled. In particular, no new machine equipment for brushes is necessary. Thus, the principle of the assembly used according to the invention makes it possible to use more than two brushes to produce a multi-zone applicator, as described above. 

1. An applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising a first array of applicator elements fastened to a first elongated core including a distal end and a proximal end, the first array of applicator elements including free ends defining a first applicator profile, characterized in that the applicator also comprises a second array of applicator elements fastened to a second elongated core including a distal end and a proximal end, the second array of applicator elements including free ends defining a second applicator profile, said first and second elongated cores being essentially rectilinear and arranged essentially side by side, and a connector adapted to be fastened to the distal ends of the first and second elongated cores so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.
 2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the proximal ends of the first and second elongated cores can be connected to the rod of a sleeve.
 3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second arrays of applicator elements deploy over 180° around the first and the second elongated cores, respectively, such that when the first and second elongated cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first and second cores.
 4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first and second applicator profiles vary along the lengths of the first and second elongated cores, respectively.
 5. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein the first and second applicator profiles vary radially around lengths of the first and second elongated cores, respectively.
 6. The applicator according to claim 1, comprising at least one additional array of applicator elements fastened to at least one additional elongated core, each additional elongated core having a distal end and a proximal end, and each additional array of applicator elements including free ends defining additional applicator profiles.
 7. The applicator according to claim 6, wherein the first, second and additional arrays of applicator elements deploy around elongated first, second and additional cores, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around said first, second and additional cores.
 8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises an applicator end allowing a precise application of the cosmetic product.
 9. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element selected from a group consisting of fibers and applicator teeth.
 10. A method for manufacturing an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising: providing a first array of applicator elements fastened to an essentially rectilinear first elongated core including a distal end and a proximal end, the first array of applicator elements including free ends defining a first applicator profile; and characterized in that it also comprises: providing a second array of applicator elements fastened to an essentially rectilinear second elongated core including a distal end and a proximal end, the second array of applicator elements including free ends defining a first applicator profile; arranging the cores essentially side by side; and fastening of a connector to the distal ends of the first and second elongated cores so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.
 11. The method according to claim 10, comprising connecting the proximal ends of the first and second elongated cores to a rod of a sleeve.
 12. The method according to claim 10, comprising trimming the first and second arrays of applicator elements, such that the first and the second arrays of applicator elements deploy over 180° around the first and the second elongated cores, respectively, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first and the second cores.
 13. The method according to claim 10, comprising: providing at least one additional array of applicator elements fastened to at least one additional elongated core, each core having a distal end and a proximal end, each provided with an array of additional applicator elements including free ends defining additional applicator profiles; and arranging all of the cores essentially side by side and the fastening of the connector to the distal ends of the cores so as to bring the distal ends of the cores together.
 14. The method according to claim 13, comprising trimming the first, second and additional arrays of the applicator elements, such that when the cores are arranged side by side, an applicator profile of 360° is defined around the first, second and additional cores. 